What Is Your Favorite Insect Repellant

I prefer OFF as well, any type. However, I heard recently by taking vitamin B12 or B6 it wards off the bugs. I'm curious to see if this is true. Has anyone heard of this?

 

I don't like bug spray but if I have to it is not the brand it is the deet content. FOR ADULTS IT SHOULD CONTAIN APPROXIMATELY 29% - it is not recommended for children. I find that a lot of products on the market are useless - I know, because I have deliberately tested them and found them to be so. It is the deet that is the chemical that wards off the biting insects. A colleague of mine was able to get a military version of a product that has considerable more deet than the products sold to the general public.

The product that I prefer [if I use it at all] is Watkins Great Outdoors Insect Repellent Lotion. [Made in the USA] I like the lotion because it smells better and it is more effective gently rubbing onto the open areas. I can't use sprays because there is a danger of breathing in the fumes.

I have experimented with natural remedies but I have not found any that work to my satisfaction.

It is important to keep in mind that black clothing attracts bugs, especially mosquitoes and other biting insects. Wearing brighter clothing is much better. Since my ankles seem to be a delight to some of these creatures I tend to wear socks that go just below the knees. Mosquitoes will come out in force at dusk and certainly after a rain.

 

...and then there is also Muskol [made in Quebec since 1951]. It has 23.5% deet and is an excellent product. Remember, repellents are just that - they repel the insects, they don't stop them from flying around you to check you out. IF YOU HAVE A REPELLENT ON AND THE MOSQUITOES LAND AND TAKE A BIT? Then your product is useless and you need to select another. Remember, good products are not cheap - so...the cheaper they are the less effective they are.

 

You make a really good point - most insect repellent labels carry warnings that are often missed - especially for children.

 

I'm not sure either - I do know that I don't like to breath them in. But like I said, "If they work, they work, if they don't, they don't."
I find that most people really don't test products - possibly because it is more a psychological comfort than anything else. Like those clip on things - I haven't seen any evidence to prove they work.

 

You are wise because every bottle of lotion, spray, coil or whatever, will have a warning label of some sort. "Deet" a proven substance will do what it says it will do but of course there is a risk of side effects. I have tested other products - and frequently the cost and the bother simply don't justify the effort.

I do what you do for the most part - I do not use anything. I watch where I set camp to avoid muskeg and still waters, wear appropriate clothing, keep myself clear of perfumed hair shampoos, body wash and fruity smelling deodorants [there are products you can use that have no odour]. I'm aware of the high times for bugs and will wait a week or two before venturing out.

This year will be interesting because of the late spring season.

Whatever the situation I appreciate that insects are a part of life like everything else in this world - I simply do what I can to adjust...so I can enjoy what I want to enjoy in spite of.

 

I personally have found that spraying Febreeze around your area repels bugs. They can't stand the smell of it so therefore, you're bug free. I have also found that mixing vinegar and water together then spraying works to.

 

I didn't think that would work. All the research that I have done limits what really is effective. Like I said in a previous thread...if it works...it works...if it don't...it doesn't. Really important to read the labels and do the research. Be careful that you don't create a hazardous situation. Sweet smelling scents bring other creatures to forage for food. Animals don't know the difference between a smell and food.

Glad to see you on line...

ND

 

I've heard about that too - it didn't work for me.

 

According to the studies [if you can believe them] you are right. The other issues include where you are camping, the activity you are involved in, you height, weight and all that stuff. Some people seem to attract them more easily than others. Of all the bugs that are out there the tick and the mosquito are the ones that concern me most. They have a viscous record.

See you in August...